Long time ago I played Champions by Hero Games. Now I have kids who have taken an interest in RPG's so I thought I would introduce them to Champions for Christmas (Shh! Don't tell them!)

So the Champions system (now in 6th editions) has changed a lot since then (4th edition.) When I played the Champions book was all I needed. Now I see they have split the rules out into a Hero System rule book, which is a separate book.

My question is, what do I need to get started running a Champions campaign? It looks like I just need:

May I also suggest the Hero System Sidekick book. Here is what the store says about it:

Sidekick contains all of the core HERO System rules, including character creation, combat and adventuring, and equipment ? but without all of the additions, options, and details found in the standard rulebook. Sidekick boils the HERO System down to its essential elements so you can easily teach yourself the game, bring new players into your campaign quickly, or refresh your memory on a crucial rule. And when you're ready to move up to the complete HERO System, learning it will be a snap because Sidekick's already taught you the basics!

At 240 pages, Champions Complete includes everything superhero gamers need, and nothing they don't. New players will love the unmatched freedom of Champions that allows them to create and play exactly the hero they imagine. Longtime fans will appreciate the tight, concise new approach, presenting the full game system in a fraction of its former length.

The Basic Rulebook will start you off fine, but I might suggest the full Character Creation book if you can swing it — superhero games like Champions lend themselves to characters with interesting and customized abilities, and the CC book will give you the tools to make those.